A moment of quiet prayer inside a Rhode Island hospital is now being recognized by the Vatican as the first confirmed miracle under Pope Leo XIV.
In 2007, a newborn named Tyquan Hall was delivered by emergency C-section at Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Facing severe complications, the infant’s condition was critical, and despite extensive efforts by the medical team, doctors were preparing to inform the family that the child had not survived.
That’s when Dr. Juan Sánchez-Esteban, a neonatologist originally from Almería, Spain, paused for a final moment of reflection. Drawing from his faith, he whispered a prayer he learned in childhood, asking for the intercession of a 19th-century Spanish priest: Venerable Father Salvador Valera Parra.
Father Valera Parra, who lived from 1816 to 1889, was known in his region of Spain for his compassion and service during a cholera epidemic. Though widely admired, no miracles had been officially attributed to him—until now.
According to the Diocese of Almería, shortly after the doctor’s silent prayer, the unexpected happened. As staff prepared to notify the family, a nurse reported that the baby’s vital signs had returned. Against all expectations, Tyquan began breathing again.
What made this moment even more remarkable to those involved was that Tyquan showed no lasting effects from the medical crisis. While doctors had prepared for the possibility of developmental complications, his progress surprised even seasoned professionals.
The case, which was first investigated by the Spanish Diocese of Almería in collaboration with church leaders in Rhode Island, was reviewed by the Vatican over the course of several years. On July 18, 2025, Pope Leo XIV officially recognized the event as a miracle—marking the first such confirmation in Rhode Island’s history and one of the first acts of his papacy.
Rev. Timothy Reilly, Chancellor of the Diocese of Providence, described the event as deeply meaningful. “This recognition is a reminder of the power of prayer and the closeness of God,” he said. “We are thrilled that this will help move forward the cause of canonization for Venerable Salvador Valera Parra.”
Canon law requires two verified miracles for a person to be declared a saint. With this event now confirmed, Valera Parra moves one step closer to sainthood.
While respecting medical confidentiality, Dr. Sánchez-Esteban offered a statement that reflected both his scientific training and his personal faith. “As a physician, I witness the fragility and strength of life every day,” he said. “Although I cannot speak about specific patients, I understand that this recent recognition has brought comfort to many.”
He added, “We are honored to be part of stories that inspire hope, and we continue to provide care with compassion and respect for every individual and their beliefs.”
Whether viewed through a lens of faith or human resilience, this remarkable story has touched many hearts—and now stands as a historic moment in the Catholic Church under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV.
